You’ve heard about bed bugs, but have you heard about their equally unwelcome counterpart—the carpet beetle? These tiny pests can cause a lot of stress and damage, often going unnoticed until they’ve already made themselves at home.
As an interesting article in the Village Voice highlights, some people are mistaking what they think are spider bites or mosquito bites for something else entirely: carpet beetle larvae. A bed bug expert wrote about a resident who experienced itchy, burning red welts, particularly at night, despite wearing heavy sweatpants and socks to bed. The bites appeared in groups, suggesting a more serious infestation.
While bed bugs are notorious for feeding on blood, carpet beetles are a different kind of threat. It’s not the adult carpet beetles you need to worry about—it’s their larvae. These larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, feathers, and leather. They can cause significant damage to your carpets, upholstery, clothing, and other home furnishings.
You might not see the larvae themselves, but you might notice the signs of their presence:
- Small, irregular holes in your wool carpets or upholstery.
- Shed larval skins that look like tiny, hairy shells.
- Fecal pellets that resemble fine dust or sand.
Are you worried about critters and other unwanted pests like bed bugs and carpet beetles taking up residence in your home? The best defense is a proactive approach to cleaning. Regular, professional carpet and upholstery cleaning can help eliminate these pests and their larvae, protecting your home and your health.
For professional advice and services, including carpet cleaning Harpenden and upholstery cleaning Harpenden, call Grant on 07870946269. We can help you keep your home a clean and healthy space, free from unwanted nasties.

